Linden Police Station is pleading with the community to play their part in combating crime.
Captain Alex Vermaak said that as the police are the first contact for the community in the criminal justice system, residents have to open cases so the police can investigate.
This is to ensure that justice prevails and allow the investigating officers to have as much information as possible.
Vermaak wants the community to know that police and security service providers are by law not allowed to open cases on a victim or clients behalf.
“Police are also governed by laws and we have to adhere to them especially when investigating a crime.
“The police act if someone lays a complaint and it falls in line with what the law requires from the police.
The criminal justice system in our country does not allow the police to take the freedom of a person away just because you suspect them of a crime.
Open a case with the police and go through the proper channels so the incident can be investigated.”
His comments come after complaints by the community have been lodged against the police station due to inaction at crime scenes.
Vermaak argues that for police to take action, the community must be able to back up their accusation and supply evidence.
“If an officer does not conduct a thorough investigation and makes a mistake such as arresting the wrong person, the officer will be held liable.
“If you are in a serious predicament and you suspect someone, give us grounds to act on it and remember that it will result in the detention of a person.
If you are not willing to testify until the highest court of the land, then you are wasting the officer’s time.”
Details: Linden Police Station 011 888 9299.
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